MCFC Stumble Against Hermon 3-3

In a brave attempt to exact revenge on their opponents, Hermon came out of last Saturday afternoon's match against Carmel, the happier of the two teams. Despite being buoyed by the return of Left-Back, Mattheus, Midfielder, Marcus, and Striker, Aaron Lee, MCFC drew 3-3 against their cross-history opponents.

This latest result also came as an expected one, as Carmel were without their first and second-choice keepers, Joel and Andrew. Top scorer, Seng was also absent for the match. A makeshift keeper had to be drafted in, and evergreen Uncle Sam proved to be an able replacement when he kept the score reputable even though he conceded a penalty in the first half.

Carmel, at their homegrown in Lian Hua Primary came out strong in the first ten minutes with all guns blazing. Kern, Vincent, Aaron Chong and Aaron Lee pounded the Hermon defence shot after shot, but to no avail. Vincent broke the deadlock soon after with a brilliant strike past the opposing keeper.

Meanwhile, Zhi Yang and Marcus controlled their central midfield with aplomb, spraying balls to their teammates and protecting their defence, led by an aging Uncle Tai Wah.

Halfway into the first half, terrorised by the quick strikers of Hermon, confusing broke out in the Carmel box and a penalty was given for an offence committed. 1-1.

Boosted by the confidence of new boots, Right-Back, Mark gave one of his usual reliable performances.

The second half began in earnest and Uncle Sam was now replaced from his keeper position into an attacking player. The switch left rookie Uncle Sok Chuan in goal. The move proved to be a fatal mistake later on during the match.

Carmel's cohesion as a team was questioned when cousins Shawn Poon and Keith had a bust-up on the pitch. Keith's urging of his cousin to run and challenge for balls was met with dissent from the latter. Aaron Chong then replaced Shawn Poon on the left wing as Poon stormed off the pitch.

Uncle Sam soon allowed MCFC's lead to be restored with a spectacular solo effort as he rolled the ball into the Hermon net. But Hermon drew level after the Carmel defence failed to clear a loose ball off their penalty box. A Hermon player was on hand to rocket the ball past the aimless Uncle Sok Chuan. 2-2.

MCFC had to thank Uncle Sam as he scored a real poacher's goal when he sneaked near the Hermon keeper who had spilled the ball. The evergreen player was more than delighted to help himself. Vincent and Kern led Carmel's attack and continued to pound the opposing defence in a search to put the game beyond Hermon's reach.

Calamity for Carmel soon struck when the slow defence was outrun by Hermon's pacy striker Jia Yi, who had dribbled through the centre-backs and also the oncoming Carmel keeper. Hermon drew once more as Jia Yi grabbed the equaliser. 3-3.

Despite MCFC having an average game, the presence of a stable keeper and the speed of Seng was sorely missed.


Aaron, reporting inthetopcorner